The Interrogation
Half an hour later they have convinced a couple of guards so escort Sirius Black to a room where they could have a talk. When he finally showed up, Quinn was very saddened at what he saw. The man was skin and bones. His eyes seemed to have tried to hide inside his skull. His skin was a dirty grey. His hair was a dirty oily mess. It was clear that the face used to be a handsome one, but now it looked ghoul-like. Amelia flicked her wand to get rid of the smell before it could hit them. She was used to doing this it seemed like.
Now the man took a proper look at the people around him. "Ami? Albus? Mad-eye? What are you doing here?" There was clear surprise in the voice. Moody stepped up "Why? Are you expecting someone?" The man surprised Quinn, he smiled. Despite the terrible condition and place, the man managed to smile. Quinn was instantly impressed with a man with such fortitude after 11 years with dementors.
"Some guards visit me from time to time. Rarely use this room though." Quinn quickly picked up the underlying message. The guards used their prisoners as punching bags. With magic suppressing handcuffs and years spent starving, nobody would be able to put up a fight.
Albus cleared his throat to get back to the task at hand. "Sirius..I.." There was so much guilt and sorrow in that voice Quinn wondered if a dementor hadn't snuck into the room. "Mr Quirrell over there told me some news today.." he pointed at Quinn. "That proved your innocence, but it can not be used in court." As Sirius had long lost hope, he didn't regain it quickly enough to react to that sentence. "Would you be willing to be questioned under truth serum?"
This brought a smile to Sirius' face. "Finally!" Half an hour later they had the full story. Amelia Bones had brought a quick-notes quill which noted down the entire conversation. They found out that Sirius had convinced the Potters to change the secret keeper without telling anyone. He told them about their suspicions at the time concerning Remus. He told them what actually happened that night and that Peter is still alive. He told them about their animagus forms, giving a very in depth description of the rat that was Peter Pettigrew.
After the long talk, Sirius was administered the antidote and Amelia left the room. Albus spoke with tears forming in his eyes, Quinn rarely saw this side of him outside the staff end-of-year parties. "I'm so sorry Sirius. I don't think I could ever make it up to you, but I will try for the rest of my life. If only you had told me your plan.." Quinn almost snorted, Albus never tells anyone his plans soo…
But then Quinn stepped forward with a suggestion. "Albus you can start by talking about Mr. Potter, I'm sure his godfather would like to hear any story you have." Sirius' face lit up and suddenly it looked alive once more. His eyes shone and his skin gained some colour beneath the filth. "Harry? Is he at school then Albus? Is he alright? Can I meet him? He's the one thing that kept me sane all these years, just letting me meet him once will bring you lots of favour in my book Albus!"
Albus smiled and wiped his tears. "Indeed. He is a fine young man, although troubled. Always ending up at the hospital bed for getting up to no good." There was a gleam in his eyes at the last bit and Sirius laughed, though his voice cracked a bit due to the strain. "Like father like son then! If you manage to get me a trial somehow, please make sure he is in the stands. I want him there."
Albus nodded. "That can be arranged." And then Ms. Bones popped into the room. "Sirius Black. You're coming with me to the ministry holding calls awaiting a trial. My predecessor has done you dirty and I won't stand for it. We'll have you fed and cleaned so you can make an appearance. Any injuries?" He couldn't respond before she did "No matter. I'll send someone in to do a scan on you." Then she grabbed his cuffs and as soon as he stood up, they began walking out of Azkaban. The guards looked at them warily but didn't stop them. They seemed a bit scared of Ms Bones.
Soon they arrived at the shore and Bones put a large cloak over Sirius Black to cover up who she held in custody and then they made their way to the ministry. Some eyes looked the group over as it looked like a VERY high profile case if it had the most famous current auror, the head of the DMLE and the chief Warlock surrounding a man kept from the public's eye. Rumours instantly spread.
They left Sirius in Amelia's capable hands and went back to Albus' office. Quinn instantly tried to raise their spirits. "Well that went better than expected! He seems to be alright in the head and those eyes still shone with love as he heard Harry's name. The boy will be glad to hear it I'm sure!" For the first time since the revelation, Albus gave a small smile. "Indeed. I should write him an invitation to the wizengamot hearing. It's in two weeks. I don't know if Amelia told the two of you but you should be there." Both Moody and Quinn nodded.
Quinn just had something to add. "A little question though. Mind if I send the message to him? I still wish to thank him." He walked over to Albus and whispered so Moody wouldn't hear. "I could say something like thank you for freeing my brother and letting him rest. Or something." He stepped back and looked at Albus' face. He looked uncertain and uncomfortable. "Please Albus, you still owe me for the end-of-year party 1989 remember.."
Quinn didn't want to use his favor so easily but a direct contact with his saviour would be a nice trade off. Moody looked intrigued as to how Quinn got a favor from Dumbledore and his response would make sure that Moody would investigate that some day. "Alright. Alright. But you can't use that again." Quinn's face lit up. "Deal! In exactly two weeks time then? And we'll pick him up at home if he accepts?" After Albus' nod, Quinn ran out of the room to get to his desk. It was almost time for his magical workout and reading session so he better make it quick.
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Dear Harry Potter,
My name is Quinn Quirrell, and yes I'm related to Quirinus, your old teacher. Don't think I'm sending this message with malicious intent though, I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You set Quirinus free to move on. It means more to me than you'll ever know. If you ever need anything, ANYTHING, come to me, I'm going to be a prefect next year at Hogwarts!
On a different and more important note. I have recently come across some proof that your Godfather Sirius Black is innocent and will be let out of prison for a trial. He wished to see you, if not personally then at least in the stands of his trial.
I met the man and can honestly say I haven't seen anyone, other than my own mother, have so much love in one's eyes at the mention of a name. I hope you can oblige his wishes and show up. It is in exactly two weeks (as long as you read this letter this afternoon and not the next morning) and we'll pick you up at your house at 9 am that morning.
I await your owl. Make it quick though, I like fast responses :)
Yours Truly,
Quinn
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